                FREEDOM PARK -S'khumbuto The overall philosophy is informed by Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) which sensitivity is to the gestalt of the site. Therefore built structures were designed to sit discreetly on the hilltop. The design of the landscape site and its components is extremely rich in symbolism with a strong emphasis on African symbolism. Metamorphic references to cleansing and healing are made throughout the site. A good example of this is S’khumbuto which is a memorial to those people who fell during the various conflicts that gave birth to a democratic South Africa. It comprises several components: the Wall of Names, Sanctuary, Reeds, Gallery of Leaders and Moshate (a ‘hospitality suite’ for dignitaries). The Wall of Names is divided into eight parts, each representing a different conflicting epoch in the history of South Africa. On the northern side of S’khumbuto the Sanctuary emerges out of the landscape to form the backdrop to the amphitheater, which flows in grassed terraces onto the roof of the Sanctuary before terminating at an African Olive tree planted by President Thabo Mbeki in 2002 to signify the beginning of Freedom Park. The Sanctuary is universal in its design and allows people of different belief systems to pay homage and remember the fallen. The Sanctuary overlooks a flame set in a pond and which burns eternally for loss of life. “The complex three parts brief is realised in a ritualistic language of processions – its simplicity overruling parochial connotations. By respecting the subtlety of African symbolism and tactfully realising it on a monumental scale, the project was able to convincingly capture a shared history and a sensitive subject. Perhaps the veneration of landscape – the common bond of all South Africans – is the ultimate vehicle for an African architectural language in the operative sense of the word. By using landscape to encapsulate memory, instead of the reverse, Freedom Park inaugurates the African monument.” The project was done in conjunction with GreenInc, Gallery Momo (NBGM Landscape Architects) and OCA Architects. |